Choosing the Correct Harness for your Switch - …...When designing a networking system, it is important to plan the structured cabling beforehand. The goal is to address current network

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AE Note 157, Revision: 3 - Page 1 of 19

© 2016 Corning Optical Communications LLC. All rights reserved

Published: 08/10/2016

Choosing the Correct Harness for your Switch AEN 157, Revision: 3 This Application Engineering Note will serve as a guide to selecting the best Corning Optical Communications MTP® to LC harness for your structured cabling application. This document will focus on Base-12 and Base-8 MTP to LC harnesses to cable a broad offering of LAN and SAN Switches from different vendors with LC Duplex Optical Ports. For switches utilizing Parallel Optic ports (MTP/MPO interface), please refer to AEN151 “Four-Channel Parallel Optic Connectivity Solutions Utilizing Base-12 Structured Cabling”, AEN152 “Four-channel Parallel to Duplex Optical Connectivity Solutions Utilizing Base-12 Structured Cabling” and AEN156 “Connectivity Solutions Utilizing Base-8 Structured Cabling”. What is a MTP to LC Harness? A harness is a cable assembly with a multi-fiber MTP Connector on one end and simplex or duplex LC connectors at the ends of up-jacketed legs. It provides a transition from the MTP Connectors used on the trunk cables, extender trunk cables or the back of modules to single- or dual-fiber connectors. Figure 1 shows a few examples of different harness constructions.

Figure 1: Different MTP to LC Harness Constructions What are the benefits of utilizing a MTP to LC Harness? When designing a networking system, it is important to plan the structured cabling beforehand. The goal is to address current network requirements as well as accommodate future growth. A structured cabling system provides the flexibility to address the commonly performed tasks of moving, adding or changing the infrastructure as the network grows. The use of MTP to LC harnesses help improve your structured cabling when utilizing high-density LAN or SAN switches.

12-fiber Uniform Legs Harness

(OM3)

8-fiber Uniform Legs Harness

(OM4)

12-fiber Staggered Legs Harness

(OS2)






There are a few major benefits of utilizing harness assemblies vs. traditional jumpers.

1. Harnesses provide a clean, high-density method for implementing port replication of high-density switches, which reduces risk of damage or error to the switch ports.

2. Harnesses occupy less space in cabinet and vertical managers than traditional jumpers do, as the 12-fiber cable end of the harness is much smaller than the equivalent amount of patch cords.

3. Reduce cable congestion in front of the LAN and SAN; improving airflow for an increase in cooling and facilitates easier moves, adds and changes (MACs).

4. Harnesses offering available include custom-engineered stagger of the LC legs to match the port pitch in the electronics to provide seamless integration between the cabling infrastructure and electronics.

What are the typical applications for MTP® to LC Harnesses? MTP to LC harnesses are used to port replicate the blades of a switch to facilitate the connection of these ports to other equipment. Based on the specific application and to what components they harnesses plug into, there are two types of harnesses, Module Harnesses and Trunk Harnesses. Modules harnesses connect directly to the back of a MTP to LC module, to port replicate the switch to a housing located in the same or an adjacent rack to the switch. This application is typically used when the switches are located in the MDA or for end of row switching. Figure 2 depicts an example of a Module Harness application.

Figure 2: Module Harness Application

Module Harness

MTP to LC Module






Trunk harnesses connect directly to the front of the MTP®-MTP trunks to port replicate the switch to a housing located outside of the area where the switch is situated. This application is typically deployed when you have a general switching area and port replication is desired at the Main Distribution Area (MDA). Figure 3 depicts an example of a Trunk Harness application.

Figure 3: Trunk Harness Application What LC leg length should I use for a MTP to LC Harness? The optimal LC leg length for a harness will depend on the following factors: chassis model, blade type, blade port count, port orientation and cabling routing. Corning has worked with different industry vendors to provide harnesses with a custom-engineered stagger to match the port pitch across each of their data center switch product families, providing seamless integration between the cabling infrastructure and electronics. Stagger types 1, 2, 3 and 5 are exact engineered lengths designed specifically to match the port layouts across the different vendors’ switches. In addition, Corning offers a variety of uniform/non-staggered leg lengths (such as 6” (Stagger 4), 12”, 24” and 36”) depending on your cabling preference. Figures 4 and 5 show the different stagger configurations offered.

MTP to LC Module

Trunk Harness

MTP Trunk

MTP Panel






Figure 4: Base-12 LC leg length offering

Figure 5: Base-8 LC leg length offering

From which direction should I cable my switch utilizing MTP® to LC Harness? The best cabling direction for a switch will depend on two factors, blade orientation and fan/air intake location. For example, if your switch has horizontal blades and your fan/air intake location does not impede the harnesses coming in from the left or right, then it comes down to customer preference. On the other hand, if the fan/air intake is located on one side of the switch, you should bring your harnesses from the opposite side. The same applies for switches with vertical oriented blades. Corning has worked with different industry vendors to provide the optimal cabling direction based on the different switch chassis offerings. Figure 6 illustrates the different cabling directions.

Stagger 1 Stagger 2 Stagger 4 & Uniform Legs

Stagger 1 Stagger 2 Stagger 4 & Uniform Legs

Stagger 3 Stagger 5

Stagger 3 Stagger 5






Figure 6: Switch Cabling Directions






With the broad offering of switches in the network market, there are several configurations of MTP® to LC harnesses from which to choose. The remaining information in this document will help you decide which harness would be the best fit for cabling your SAN or LAN switches. On the next page are Table 1 and Table 2, summarizing which harness Base-12 or Base-8 to use depending on the switch manufacturer, model, port count, port orientation and cabling direction. Part numbers for each of the different harness types are in Table 3 and Table 4. Pictures of examples of the different switches/blades installed with MTP to LC harnesses can be found in Appendix A at the end of the document. For additional questions, contact Corning Optical Communications’ Technical Support Line at 800-743-2671 or [email protected].






Table 1: Base-12 Harness Stagger by Switch/Blade Manufacturer

Note 1: DCX and DCX-8510-8 require cabling from bottom only Note 2: VDX 8770-8 requires cabling from the top only Note 3: Stagger 3 cannot be used on the MDS 9500 series because of fan tray, thus this harness can only be used on MDS 9700 series Note 4: mini SFP harnesses are for exclusive use with Brocade’s FC8-64 using the mini SFP transceiver Note 6: These harnesses only apply to the SFP ports not the QSFP






Table 1: Base-12 Harness Stagger by Switch/Blade Manufacturer – Continuation

Note 5: Nexus 7010 can only be cabled from top; 7009 and 7018 is right to left air flow thus may require cabling only from left based on cabinet design Note 6: These harnesses only apply to the SFP ports not the QSFP






Table 2: Base-8 Harness Stagger by Switch/Blade Manufacturer

Note 1: DCX and DCX-8510-8 require cabling from bottom only Note 2: VDX 8770-8 requires cabling from the top only Note 3: Stagger 3 cannot be used on the MDS 9500 series because of fan tray; thus this harness can only be used on MDS 9700 series Note 4: mini SFP harnesses are for exclusive use with Brocade’s FC8-64 using the mini SFP transceiver Note 6: These harnesses only apply to the SFP ports not the QSFP Note 7: For Base-8 harnesses to be used with Brocade's FC8-64, please contact Corning Optical Communications’ Technical Support Line at 800-743-2671






Table 2: Base-8 Harness Stagger by Switch/Blade Manufacturer - Continuation

Note 5: Nexus 7010 can only be cabled from top; 7009 and 7018 is right to left air flow thus may require cabling only from left based on cabinet design Note 6: These harnesses only apply to the SFP ports not the QSFP






Table 3: Base-12 Harness Part Numbers

Base-12 Harness Part Numbers with LC legs Stagger 1* Type Part Number Description

Module Harness

H757912TPH-1BxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM3, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

H757912QPH-1BxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

H907812GPH-1BxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

Trunk Harness

H937912TPH-1AxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM3, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

H937912QPH-1AxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

H897812GPH-1AxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet


Module Harness




Trunk Harness





Module Harness




Trunk Harness




*Note: Harnesses with staggered legs can be made in 1-ft increments from 3 to 20 ft.






Table 3: Base-12 Harness Part Numbers – Continuation

Base-12 Harness Part Numbers with LC legs Stagger 4 (6 inch uniform)* Type Part Number Description

Module Harness

H757912TPH-4BxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM3, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H757912QPH-4BxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H907812GPH-4BxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

Trunk Harness

H937912TPH-4AxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM3, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H937912QPH-4AxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H897812GPH-4AxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet


Module Harness




Trunk Harness




Base-12 Harness Part Numbers with 24 inch uniform LC legs Type Part Number Description

Module Harness

H757912TPH-KBxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM3, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H757912QPH-KBxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H907812GPH-KBxxxF EDGE™ Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

Trunk Harness

H937912TPH-KAxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM3, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H937912QPH-KAxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

H897812GPH-KAxxxF EDGE™ Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet







Table 3: 12f Harness Part Numbers – Continuation

Base-12 Harness Part Numbers mini SFP (mSFP) and 24 inch uniform LC Legs** Type Part Number Description

Module Harness

H75S512TE8-KBxxxF Plug & Play™ Universal Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to mini SFP (mSFP), OM3, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet. "Only use for Brocade's FC8-64 blade"

H75S512QE8-KBxxxF Plug & Play™ Universal Module Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to mini SFP (mSFP), OM4, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet. "Only use for Brocade's FC8-64 blade"

Trunk Harness

H93S512TE8-KAxxxF Plug & Play™ Universal Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to mini SFP (mSFP), OM3, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet. "Only use for Brocade's FC8-64 blade"

H93S512QE8-KAxxxF Plug & Play™ Universal Trunk Harness, Pinned MTP to mini SFP (mSFP), OM4, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet. "Only use for Brocade's FC8-64 blade"

** Note: Only use for Brocade's FC8-64 blade. miniSFP (mSFP) harnesses are only offered for Base-12 structured cabling.

Table 4: Base-8 Harness Part Numbers


Module Harness

HE57908QPH-1BxxxF EDGE8™ Type B Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

HE77808GPH-1BxxxF EDGE8™ Type B Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

Trunk Harness

HE67908QPH-1AxxxF EDGE8™ Type A Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet

HE87808GPH-1AxxxF EDGE8™ Type A Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, Stagger 1, xxx Feet


Module Harness



Trunk Harness









Table 4: Base-8 Harness Part Numbers – Continuation


Module Harness



Trunk Harness



Base-8 Harness Part Numbers with LC legs Stagger 4 (6 inch uniform)* Type Part Number Description

Module Harness

HE57908QPH-4BxxxF EDGE8™ Type B Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

HE77808GPH-4BxxxF EDGE8™ Type B Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

Trunk Harness

HE67908QPH-4AxxxF EDGE8™ Type A Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

HE87808GPH-4AxxxF EDGE8™ Type A Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 6 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet


Module Harness



Trunk Harness



Base-8 Harness Part Numbers with 24 inch uniform LC legs Type Part Number Description

Module Harness

HE57908QPH-KBxxxF EDGE8™ Type B Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

HE77808GPH-KBxxxF EDGE8™ Type B Harness, Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

Trunk Harness

HE67908QPH-KAxxxF EDGE8™ Type A Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OM4, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet

HE87808GPH-KAxxxF EDGE8™ Type A Harness, Non-Pinned MTP to LC Uniboot, OS2, Plenum, 24 inch uniform LC legs, xxx Feet







Appendix A: Pictures of examples of different switches/blades

Figure 1-a: Arista DCS-7500E-36Q

Figure 2-a: Arista DCS-7500E-72S,

DCS-7500E-48S

Figure 3-a: Arista DCS-7300X-32Q

Figure 4-a: Arista DCS-7300X-64S






Figure 5-a: Brocade DCX FC8-64

Figure 6-a: Brocade DCX FC8-48E, FC16-48

Figure 7-a: Brocade DCX FC16-64

Figure 8-a: Brocade BR-VDX8770-48X1G-SFP-1,

BR-VDX8770-48X1G-SFPP-1






Figure 9-a: Cisco DS-X9248-256K9

Figure 10-a: Cisco N6K-C6004-M12Q

Figure 11-a: Cisco N77-F348XP-23, N77-F248XP-23E

Figure 12-a: Cisco N77-F324FQ-25

Figure 13-a: Cisco N7K-F348XP-25, N7K-F248XP-25, N7K-F248XP-25E

Figure 14-a: Cisco N7K-M224XP-23L






Figure 15-a: Cisco N7K-M132XP-12,

N7K-M132XP-12L

Figure 16-a: Cisco N7K-F312FQ-25

Figure 17-a: Cisco N9K-X9564PX,

N9K-X9464PX

Figure 18-a: Cisco N9K-X9636PQ,

N9K-X9536PQ, N9K-X9736PQ

Figure 19-a: Cisco N9K-X9432PQ

For questions on blades not shown in Appendix A, please contact Corning Optical Communications’ Technical Support Line at 800-743-2671 or [email protected].






Documents

Choosing the Correct Harness for your Switch - …...When designing a networking system, it is important to plan the structured cabling beforehand. The goal is to address current network